The Goulburn Region Ukulele Band, or GRUB for short, struck up at Bradfordville, lending a different tune to election day in Hume.
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Voters enjoyed a cuppa in the sun as they listened and thawed out from the morning frost.
Eager volunteers set up sausage sizzles and cake stalls, ready for the throngs of voters to booths. Almost 20 per cent of the 116,000 plus eligible voters in Hume had pre-polled but there were still plenty around on Saturday to enjoy the buzzy atmosphere and tasty treats.
Also read our election day live blog
Sitting Hume MP Angus Taylor was almost first through the door at the Goulburn Scout Hall polling booth.
The Liberal, contesting his third election since winning in 2013, was not letting the morning's poll, tipping a Labor win, put him off.
"There's only one poll that counts and that's today's," he said.
Mr Taylor described it as the most important election since 1975 when Gough Whitlam lost office to the Liberals' Malcolm Fraser.
"I remember the importance of that choice because we had a Labor government that wasn't focused on the economy and had caused enormous damage from 1973 to 1975. Again, we are facing a very irresponsible Labor government."
Mr Taylor said the Goulburn region was going "gangbusters" and he didn't want that ruined by Labor's capital gains tax and negative gearing policy.
Regardless of whether the Coalition lost nationally he said he would continue working hard for Hume if re-elected.
Meantime, one of his key challengers, Independent Huw Kingston, was also on the hustings, brushing off the cool air. He started the day in Bundanoon before moving on to Goulburn.
"Let's hope it's Independents day," he quipped as he handed out leaflets at the Wesley Centre.
"...I always feel confident but my chances are small in a seat held by the Liberals for the last 50 years and with such a large majority.
"But I'm very pleased with the way the last few months have gone and with the fact we've given this a really good nudge. We've seen the Liberals campaign like they never have before so whatever the result, I think we can say we've given it a really good shot."
Labor candidate Aoife Champion spent her day in the electorate's northern end. But in Goulburn, Labor's Dr Ursula Stephens was among the party faithful flying the flag.
"People are out early and that's always a good sign," she said.
"We're buoyed by the Newspoll out this morning... In Hume, we're realistic about our chances. It's always been conservative and the vote in the NSW election will probably be reflected here but we're part of a nationwide swing and I'd like to see Angus's margin cut to single digits."
Mr Taylor holds the seat by a 10.2pc margin.
Dr Stephens said voters had been telling volunteers that they were "disappointed" in Mr Taylor. There was also "strong support" for Mr Kingston.
"That is the nature of politics; independents are getting a stronger voice," she said.
On another note, Dr Stephens said she'd like to see an end to plastics and Labor would be sending its corflute signs to a South Australian recycler.
Some voters walking into polling booths told volunteers they didn't want any more paper.
Meantime, activist group GetUp had volunteers on most Goulburn booths, highlighting the candidates they believed were taking action on climate change. These were: Huw Kingston, Labor and The Greens.
Bungonia woman Diana Moran recently joined the group.
"When you look into the future and see what's happening to the climate and the fact that politicians are ignoring it, I want to support our children who are standing up for the issue because it's their future at stake," she said.
Climate change was also on the mind of retirees Pat and Marilyn Dowd, who moved to Goulburn six months ago.
Mrs Dowd said the issue had changed her vote.
"They have to do something about it," she said.
Mr Dowd said more wind farms could put Goulburn on the map and he'd like to see greater reliance on renewable energy generally.
Nearby, wind farm employee Nathan Canty also favoured action on climate change.
He said he was more focused on national issues than local ones.
"The seat is traditionally Liberal and I don't think my vote will change that," Mr Canty said.
Out at Bradfordville booth, voter Kevin Kidd said consumption and producing enough energy to keep production going was more important than climate change in his book.
He was basing his decision on which politician followed through with their promises.
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